The Death of Pope Francis Is Not the End of Everything, but a New Beginning to Emulate his Teaching and Values as a legacy that he has left behind for us as he has concluded his pilgrimage journey of Hope here on earth and raised to a journey with the risen Lord to the Father in heaven.
Pope Francis reminded us all that faith must be lived with care for human dignity through compassion, justice, and care for all creation, challenging us to see the poor, to welcome the strangers, and to protect our planet as a sacred duty. Through Laudato Si’, he made it clear:
“The Earth is our common home, and it cries out for care.”
His papacy was a call to simplicity, solidarity, and mercy with preferential option to the poor and elderly a quiet revolution of the heart. “Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps.” (Laudato Si’) This is the legacy we carry forward. Faith in Action, Simplicity, Hope, Charity, humility, Peace building and Stewardship of Creation
Today April 22nd 2025 is Earth Day as Pope Francis always reminded us: “Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis.” On this historical earth day that comes a few days after his death, may we be inspired to give hope to our youngest world population that is working hard for justice, dignity, and creation values that have helped many to understand the connection between faith and creation.
It was with deep sorrow and reverence that the world and we, the Laudato Youth Initiative, learnt of the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who returned to the Lord on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The news, confirmed at 9:45 AM by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Casa Santa Marta, stirred hearts worldwide.
I should say his death that occurred so close to the Easter Octave is profoundly symbolic. It is a moment of grief and hope rooted in the Resurrection, the heart of Christian faith. Pope Francis, a selfless advocate for the poor, the planet, and peace, has completed his earthly pilgrimage in this Jubilee year after calling us to a pilgrimage of hope and has risen with Christ to eternal glory. His life, mission, and unwavering voice for justice and care for our common home will continue to echo through generations.
In his last message on Easter Sunday April 20th, 2025, which most of us watched or witnessed in person – Pope Francis wished everyone a Happy Easter and then asked Archbishop Ravelli to read his Easter message with its pleas for peace and for respect for human life: the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the poor and migrants. One key message I picked from his gestures and these words. He loved the people and most especially the young people. He was a grateful person. Now wonder it is said that among his last words is “thank you”
A Shepherd Who Heard the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor
In June 2015, Pope Francis gifted the world with Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, a groundbreaking encyclical that became a cornerstone of environmental thought, interfaith dialogue, and global action rooted in the Catholic Social Teaching and enriched with ecological spirituality, Laudato Si’ called for an “ecological conversion” in which human beings recognize their interconnectedness with creation and one another.
In his encyclical, Pope Francis wrote prophetically:
“If present trends continue, this century may well witness extraordinary climate change and an unprecedented destruction of ecosystems, with serious consequences for all of us.” (Laudato Si’, 24)
He challenged political leaders and global institutions to move beyond words and adopt meaningful, enforceable environmental policies. He was one of the first religious leaders to call for the progressive replacement of fossil fuels, urging a transition toward clean energy and just economies.
A Legacy That Unites Heaven and Earth
Pope Francis’ death comes just weeks before the world was set to mark the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. As we prepare to commemorate this milestone, we are reminded that his legacy is not one to be mourned in silence, but to be strengthened in action.
The vision he laid out of integral ecology, of climate justice, of a civilization of love and care for the poor must now be taken up with renewed commitment. To this effect, the Laudato Youth Initiative calls upon all young people, communities, educators, and policymakers to rise up in defense of our common home, to honor Pope Francis by continuing his mission.
His death, so close to Easter and the Laudato Si’ decade, in the jubilee year is not just a coincidence. It is a divine punctuation mark reminding us that hope is possible, but it must be lived. Pope Francis reminded us that faith must act, that love must organize, and that stewardship is a sacred duty.
His Voice Will Never Fade
We will remember Pope Francis as a man of faith, humility, hope, and vision. A Pope of the peripheries. A bridge builder. A prophet in a time of ecological collapse and indifference. His environmental teachings united science and spirituality, faith and reason, ethics and action.
He was the first to remind the world that environmental degradation is not only a scientific issue. It is a moral crisis. He gave young people courage to speak up and I believe it’s the reason we are sharing this message today. He gave hope to Indigenous communities. He gave consciousness to the global stage.
Let his passing mark a rebirth in us all to continue building the world he dreamed of one of love and care for neighbor, sustainability, solidarity, and sacred responsibility.
We pray for the repose of his soul, and we pledge to carry his light forward. This Year as we carry our theme of Pilgrims of Green Hope. Praised be You, my Lord, through all your creation.
Tribute quotes to remember about Pope Francis
“Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis.” Laudato Si’, 13
“Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity.” Laudato Si’, 240
“Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility, above all on the part of those countries which are more powerful and pollute the most.” Address to the UN Climate Summit, 2015
“We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” Laudato Si’, 14
“The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.”
Laudato Si’, 21
“We are not God. The Earth was here before us, and it has been given to us.” Laudato Si’, 67
“Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain. We may well be leaving to coming generations debris, desolation, and filth.” Laudato Si’, 161
“God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement.”
Laudato Si’, 89
“This is not just a cultural or political problem, but a problem that touches us all. We must take care of our common home.” General Audience, April 22, 2015 (Earth Day)
May his soul rest in peace and may his vision of an integral ecology become ever more alive through our words, our actions, and our love.
Laudato Youth Initiative – Inspired by Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si, Guided by Catholic Social Teachings and SDG 13. Will remain committed to caring for God’s Creation.
Rest in peace Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, made history as the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. From his humble roots in Buenos Aires to the global stage of the Vatican, he served as a voice for the voiceless, a champion of mercy, and a steward of creation.
As head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 2013 until his passing on April 21, 2025, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and courageous leadership. His life was a testament to the belief that faith must be lived through action — always with love at its center.
Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit and message endure: a call to care, to include, and to hope.
Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C
